Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a book lover, vintage movie nerd, and photography fanatic. I’m also a Libra. We can be a bit crazy…perhaps you’ve already figured that out.
I have three children’s books out: A World of Imagination, Delilah’s Birthday Surprise, and Little Winnie Witch Goes to Flight School.
Additionally, I have two books of poetry in wide release: Uncharted: A Journey Through Life in Rhyme and A Thousand Little Words. Finally, I have a historical fiction/romance novel, Fateful Voyage out and available on Amazon and I am currently working on a historical fiction/drama novel, The Hunted set to be released in late spring 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is entitles Fateful Voyage. It is a historical fiction/romance novel that deals with love, tragedy, and fate.
The inspiration for the book is my fascination with fate and destiny and how two very different lives can collide together in a chance meeting. I think it’s interesting how there are billions of people on this planet yet, we only have meaningful relationships with very few people. It’s almost like those lives were meant to intersect…like it was written in the stars and that’s what makes those particular relationships extra special.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really other than I talk to myself a lot when I write and can pretty much carry on full conversations with my characters and have them talk back to me. I always find them very fascinating.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dorothy Parker is my go to girl. I have always admired her sass and wit and ability to tell it like it is. She is my author spirit animal. I also have been influenced by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Higgens Clark, Bill Bryson, Susanna Kearsley, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
In regards to books that have influenced me, I have read all the books by the authors listed above and have enjoyed their writing style. There is also a book called After The Rain by Karen White that has stuck with me as well as The Witches Daughter by Paula Brackston. Recently, I read a book called The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein that really resonated with me. I also really enjoyed Ove and My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She’s Sorry.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a historical fiction/drama novel entitle The Hunted. It deals with the mass hysteria around the Salem witch trials and the community that fell under siege to its madness.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like connecting with people via Twitter. It feels more like texting and it’s so much more real and immediate, almost like you’re having direct face-to-face. Plus, I feel like people are a lot more genuine on Twitter. I also like to promote via blogging when I have the time through my website.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never let anything strip you of your passion for writing. This is a tough crazy making business and there will be times when you want to throw in the towel. But, at the end of the day, you have to remember your love for the craft. There is always going to be constant noise about what you should and should not be doing as an author…ignore it! Do what feels right to you. There is no right or wrong way to write. If you have talent and patience and determination than that’s all you need.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It doesn’t have to make sense. It just has to make you happy.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Escaping From Houdini and so far I’m really enjoying it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to get two books published this year and then turn my attention to the independent publishing house I am starting. I am the founder of Barn Owl Publishing and I hope to get that off the ground in order to help other authors navigate the confusing system that is publishing and help them avoid some of the pitfalls I have encountered.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Seriously, how on earth am I supposed to answer this question? I plead the fifth on this!
Author Websites and Profiles
Danielle Van Alst Website
Danielle Van Alst Amazon Profile
Danielle Van Alst’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account